Flexible cooling garment system

ABSTRACT

Aspects herein are directed to a cooling garment. The cooling garment can include a vest configured to be worn by a wearer. One or more pockets on the vest may be configured to receive one or more icepacks. The one or more pockets may include a stretch material on a front portion of the one or more pockets. The one or more pockets can further include a non-stretch material on a back portion of the one or more pockets.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application having attorney docket number 386768/180196US04DIV andentitled “Flexible Cooling Garment System,” is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/429,577, filed Jun. 3, 2019, and entitled“Flexible Cooling Garment System”; which claims the benefit of priorityto U.S. Prov. App. No. 62/724,972, filed Aug. 30, 2018, and entitled“Flexible Cooling Garment System.” The entireties of the aforementionedapplications are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects herein relate to a flexible cooling garment system that isconfigured to cool a wearer.

BACKGROUND

Traditional cooling garments (e.g., cooling vests) may not adequatelysupport the weight or shape of articles that are coupled with thecooling vests, such as icepacks. Moreover, traditional cooling garmentsand icepacks may be rigid or otherwise not flexible such that they donot adequately conform to the wearer's body or cause discomfort duringwearer activity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with referenceto the attached drawings figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an example cooling vest system beingworn by a wearer, in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a shoulder strap and a front view ofa pocket of a cooling garment with a second outer layer of the pocketpartially detached to better illustrate the pocket, in accordance withaspects herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a cooling garment system being worn bya wearer, in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of a cooling garment system being worn bya wearer, in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front perspective view of afirst example icepack, in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the icepack of FIG. 5,which is filled with a filler substance, in accordance with aspectsherein.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front perspective view of asecond example icepack, in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of the icepack of FIG. 7,which is filled with a filler substance, in accordance with aspectsherein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side top view of an opened icepack, in accordancewith aspects herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described withspecificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to limit the scope of thisdisclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed ordisclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, toinclude different steps or combinations of steps similar to the onesdescribed in this document, in conjunction with other present or futuretechnologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” mightbe used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, theterms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order amongor between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when theorder of individual steps is explicitly stated.

At a high level, certain aspects herein relate to a flexible coolinggarment system configured to cool a wearer before, during, and/or afteran activity (e.g., a workout). In one aspect, the cooling garment systemcan include a vest configured to be worn by a wearer and one or morepockets on the vest configured to receive one or more icepacks. Thesepockets may be formed from a first inner layer of material which maycomprise a non-stretch material and a second outer layer of materialwhich may comprise a stretch material. The stretch material of thesecond outer layer of the pocket may help secure the one or moreicepacks to the wearer's torso, as the stretching of the garment mayallow an icepack to fully expand to its capacity while additionallycause increased pressure against a surface area of the icepack due tothe elastic properties of the stretch material. Additionally, thenon-stretch material of the first inner layer of the one or more pocketscan help support the weight of the icepacks such that the icepacks donot sag or otherwise move outside of intended contact points on thewearer's body.

In still further aspects, a system can include one or more icepacks thatinclude at least a first aperture configured to receive a first end ofat least one shoulder strap. The system can further include a garmentthat includes one or more pockets configured to receive the one or moreicepacks. The shoulder strap may be disposed over a shoulder region ofthe garment and may include a first end that is configured to passthrough the first aperture of the one or more icepacks. The shoulderstrap can further help secure the one or more icepacks to a wearer'storso and support the icepack's weight and shape. The shoulder strap canhelp secure the one or more icepacks to the wearer's torso by keeping anicepack in an upright extended position, as opposed to a straplesssystem, which may result in a folding or compression of the icepack dueto gravitational and other movement forces especially as the ice withinthe icepack begins melting. In some aspects, a particular end of theshoulder strap extends downward when the garment is in an as-wornconfiguration and fastens to a superior portion of the icepack, whichallows the icepack to maintain its expanded shape, as gravitationalforces pull downward on the icepack, while the shoulder strap keeps theicepack in an upright position. The shoulder strap can also help preventthe icepack from shifting or bouncing during wear and various activitieswhile wearing, such as working out or engaging in a sport. In this way,the icepacks can maintain continuous contact with the wearer, as opposedto sporadic contact that may happen without a shoulder strap mechanism.

In yet other aspects, an icepack configured for use with a coolinggarment can include at least one flexion area. These flexion areas maycorrespond to one or more points or areas at which a first front portionof the icepack and a first back portion of the icepack are affixed toeach other, such that the one or more points or areas are not filledwith a filler substance (e.g., water). The icepack can further includeone or more second apertures disposed adjacently to the at least oneflexion area. These apertures may extend from a second front portion ofthe icepack through a second back portion of the icepack. The flexionareas and apertures on the icepack can allow the icepack to more closelyconform to a wearer's chest or other body part and allow for a generallyunabated range of motion. For example, various flexion areas on anicepack may effectively act as joints or axis points about which therest of the corresponding icepack portions can axially rotate or move.Accordingly, for example, the icepack can more closely conform to thecontours of the wearer's body because the flexion areas may bend atareas where the body changes size or shape. In another example, theapertures and flexion areas can also act as hinges or points about whichthe rest of the icepack can move during particular wearer movements.Without these apertures and/or flexion areas, the icepack is generallyprevented from bending or folding according to wearer movement, whichmay cause discomfort or strain during movement. The apertures candecrease the surface area of the icepack and act as a movement pointsuch that when a wearer moves, there is less rigidity and the icepackcan conform more to the contours of the wearer.

Positional and range of motion terms as used herein such as “inner,”“outer,” “medial,” “lateral,” “upper,” “lower,” “superior,” “inferior,”“anterior,” “posterior,” “flexion,” “extension,” “abduction,”“adduction,” and the like are to be given their common meaning withrespect to the cooling garment being worn as intended and as shown anddescribed herein by a hypothetical wearer standing in an uprightposition (i.e., standing in anatomical position). Still further, thephrase “configured to contact,” or other similar phrases used whendescribing different portions of the garment in relation to a wearerrefer to a support garment appropriately sized for the particularwearer. Terms such as “fastened” or “secured” as used herein generallyrefer to attachment methodologies between two or more elements thatgenerally maintain the elements in a fixed relationship with respect toone another. Terms such as “adjustably secured” as used herein refer toattachment methodologies that allow at least one element, such as astrap, to be adjusted (e.g., shortened or lengthened) in relation toanother element, such as an upper portion of an icepack surface.

The term “stretch material” as used herein refers to textiles ormaterials formed using elastomeric yarns. Elastomeric yarns maygenerally provide a maximum stretch greater than about 200% under loadprior to returning to its non-stretched state when the load is removed,and some elastomeric yarns provide a maximum stretch of about 400%.Examples of elastomeric yarn types include spandex, LYCRA®, rubber, andthe like. Moreover, examples of stretch materials or textiles mayinclude stretch woven materials, stretch knit materials, stretchnon-woven materials, and the like. The term “non-stretch material” asused herein refers to textiles or materials that are formed usingnon-elastomeric yarns that generally do not stretch over a thresholdamount (e.g., cotton, silk, polyester, conventional denim, and/or othernon-elastic polymers). To describe this differently, non-stretchmaterials have a lower stretching capacity than stretch materials.

The term “cooling garment” or “garment” as used herein may mean anupper-body garment (e.g., a vest, a shirt, a jacket, a coat, a supportgarment, and the like), a lower-body garment (e.g., shorts, pants, andthe like), or a combination upper-body garment and lower-body garment(e.g., a unitard, overall, and the like).

Turning now to FIG. 1, a front perspective view of an example coolinggarment system 100 being worn by a wearer 102 is illustrated inaccordance with aspects herein. Although the cooling garment system 100is depicted as including a vest 101, it is understood that the coolinggarment system 100 may alternatively or additionally include anysuitable cooling garment, such as a shirt, jacket, and/or other wearablearticle. The vest 101 includes pockets 106, which includes the pocket106-1, pocket 106-2, the inlet opening 106-3, the inlet opening 106-4,and the outer layer 106-5. The pockets 106-1 and 106-2 are located on ananterior or front portion of the vest 101, and is disposed over a fronttorso and chest portion of the wearer 102. The pockets 106-1 and 106-2are each respectively configured to receive icepacks 108-1 and 108-2(collectively referred to herein as the “icepacks 108”). The pockets106-1 and 106-2 may each respectively include the inlet opening 106-3and 106-4 at an upper portion of the pockets 106-1 and 106-2 such thatrespective icepacks 108-1 and 108-2 can be inserted into the pockets106-1 and 106-2. In some aspects, the inferior or bottom of the pockets106-1 and 106-2 may not include an inlet, such that the weight of theicepacks 108 can be supported. Although the cooling garment system 100depicts the two icepacks 108-1 and 108-2 and the two pockets 106-1 and106-2, it is understood that this quantity is representative only andthat there may be any suitable quantity. For example, in some aspects,the cooling garment system 100 may comprise a single pocket and a singlecorresponding icepack or more than two pockets and correspondingicepacks.

The cooling garment system 100 further includes an optional slidermechanism 112, which is disposed in between the pockets 106-1 and 106-2and may form, in some aspects, an inner or medial edge of the pockets106-1 and 106-2. The slider mechanism 112 may include a tape thatextends along a longitudinal or vertical length of the pockets 106-1 and106-2. The slider mechanism 112 includes a slider pull configured toreversibly open and close the slider mechanism 112 and, accordingly,open and close the vest 101 such that the wearer 102 can put on orremove the vest 101. Although the cooling garment system 100 includesthe slider mechanism 112 as a fastening mechanism, it is understood thatany suitable fastening mechanism can alternatively or additionally beused to secure or put on the vest 101. For example, instead of thewearer 102 zipping up the vest 101 via the slider mechanism 112, thewearer 102 in various aspects secures the vest 101 via one or morebuttons, snaps, or hook-and-loop fasteners.

As mentioned, the cooling garment system 100 further includes theicepacks 108-1 and 108-2, each of which respectively include apertures110-1 and 110-2 at the superior or upper portions of the icepacks 108.These apertures (collectively described herein as “apertures 110”) andthe rest of the upper portions of the icepacks 108 are illustrated asbeing exposed or not covered by a portion of the pockets 106 or vest101. This may make it easier for the wearer 102 to remove and/or placethe icepacks 108 to/from the inlet opening 106-3 and inlet opening 106-4of the pockets 106-1 and 106-2 and/or make it easier for the wearer 102to fasten shoulder straps 104-1 and 104-2 to the icepacks 108 via theapertures 110. The shoulder straps 104-1 and 104-2 (collectivelyreferred to herein as the shoulder straps 104) are each configured tofasten or be secured to the icepacks 108 via placing respective endsthrough the apertures 110, as described in more detail below. Theshoulder straps 104 are oriented, at least in part, horizontally ortransversely over a shoulder region of the vest 101 (e.g., 116-1) orwearer 102 and longitudinally oriented over the anterior portion of thevest 101 or wearer 102 to attach to the upper portion of the icepacks108. In various aspects, the icepacks 108 can include various flexionareas and additional apertures, as described in more detail below.

The vest 101 includes inner layer portions 116-1 and 116-2 (collectivelydescribed herein as the “inner layer 116”). The inner layer 116 ispositioned adjacent to a front or face portion (i.e., the outer layer106-5) of the pockets 106 such that opposing surfaces of the inner layer116 and the outer layer 106-5 of the pockets 106 are positioned adjacentto each other. In particular aspects, the pockets 106 are formed as aspace between the inner layer 116 and the outer layer 106-5, and theouter layer 106-5 may only be present in certain portions of the vest101 such as where the pockets 106 are located. In this way, the icepacks108-1 and 108-2 are disposed between the inner layer 116 and outer layer106-5. The inner layer 116 may comprise the inner-most layer of the vest101 such that it is positioned adjacent to a body surface of the wearer102 (e.g., either a skin surface or a surface of the wearer 102 coveredby, for instance, a base layer).

The inner layer portion 116-1 may abut and be positioned beneath theshoulder strap 104-1. In some aspects, the shoulder straps 104 are sewnor otherwise permanently fixed to the inner layer 116. In other aspects,the shoulder straps 104 are stand-alone articles, such that they are notsewn or permanently attached to the inner layer 116 and, instead, areremovably attached to the inner layer 116 using, for example,hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, and the like. Although the vest101 is shown without sleeves, in some aspects the inner layer 116-1 mayextend to form short or long sleeves (e.g., sleeves of a long sleevedT-shirt) such that a portion of the wearer's 102 arm is covered (e.g.,the length of a person's entire arm down to a wrist portion of the arm).The vest 101 further includes a neck opening inner layer portion 116-2of the inner layer 116 that is configured to be placed over the wearer102's head in order to wear the vest 101. In some aspects, the portions(not shown) of the inner layer 116 that are positioned beneath theicepacks 108 represent the back side or posterior part of the pockets106. The inner layer 116 or any part of the cooling garment system 100can be made from any suitable material, such as knitted mesh, wovenmaterial, nylon, cotton, polyester, silk, etc. In various aspects, theinner layer 116 or posterior portion of the pockets 106 is formed from anon-stretch material, such as non-stretch woven, a non-stretch knit, anon-stretch nonwoven, and the like. In various aspects, the outer layer106-5 is formed from a stretch material including a stretch woven, astretch knit, a stretch nonwoven, and the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates a shoulder strap 204-1 and a view of a pocket 206(representing both the first inner layer 206-3, the second outer layer206-1, and the lower margin 206-5) of a cooling garment 200 with aportion of a second outer layer 206-1 of the pocket 206 partiallydetached to better illustrate the pocket 206. In some embodiments, thecooling garment 200 represents the vest 101 of FIG. 1 and vice versa.For example, in some aspects, the pocket 206 represents the pocket 106-1(and/or 106-2) of FIG. 1 and vice versa. In some aspects, the firstinner layer 206-3 represents the inner layer 116-1 and/or 116-2 of FIG.1 and vice versa. Likewise, in some aspects, the second outer layer206-1 represents the outer layer 106-5 of FIG. 1 and vice versa. Inexample aspects, the first inner layer 206-3 may form remaining portionsof the cooling garment 200. An inner-facing surface of the second outerlayer 206-1 is positioned adjacent to an outer-facing surface of thefirst inner layer 206-3 such that the second outer layer 206-1 forms atleast a portion of an exterior surface of the cooling garment 200 and isat least partially viewable while a wearer is wearing the associatedcooling garment 200. In aspects, the first inner layer 206-3 maycomprise an interior (or body-facing) layer of the cooling garment 200.In some aspects, the second outer layer 206-1 is or includes a stretchmaterial (e.g., a stretch-woven material) and the first inner layer206-3 is or includes a non-stretch material.

By structuring the pocket 206 such that the second outer layer 206-1 ofthe pocket 206 is formed from a stretch material and the first innerlayer 206-3 of the pocket 206 is formed from a non-stretch material, thepocket 206 is configured to both support the weight of an icepack andhelp conform the icepack closer to the body of a wearer. Because thefirst inner layer 206-3 includes the non-stretch material, it supportsan icepack in its inserted or upright position such that the icepackdoes not sag or orient downward due to gravitational forces. In someexample aspects, a lower margin 206-5 of the second outer layer 206-1also includes non-stretch material in order to further prevent saggingor drooping of the icepack. Because the second outer layer 206-1generally comprises the stretch material, the inserted icepack mayconform more to a wearer than portions with a non-stretch materialbecause the stretch material may keep an icepack in its extended orupright form (e.g., the icepack does not sag, deform, bend, and thelike) and keep continuous pressure on the icepack and thus a wearer. Forinstance, a wearer may have to exert an initial tension on the secondouter layer 206-1 in order to insert the icepack in the pocket 206.However, because of the elastic nature of stretch material, the stretchmaterial may engage in the elastic process of returning to its originalshape when the icepack is fully positioned in the pocket 206. Therefore,there may be greater pressure against the body of the wearer due toelastic forces and the icepack may not fold or compress because of theseelastic forces countering gravitational forces. In some aspects, thestretch material allows the wearer to more easily place an icepack inthe pocket inlet than an otherwise rigid non-stretch material because ofthe ability of the pocket to stretch.

The shoulder strap 204-1 includes at least a first end that contains,for instance, a male end 201 of a connecting element and a portion thatincludes a female end 203 of the connecting element. In some aspects,the first end of the shoulder strap 204-1 is configured to pass throughthe aperture 110-2 of the icepack 108-2 and the male end 201 can besnapped or secured into the female end 203 such that a portion of theicepack 108-2 is secured to the shoulder strap 204-1 at loop portion205. In this manner, when the male end 201 and the female end 203 arecoupled, the shoulder strap 204-1 forms a loop and the icepack 108-2 canthen extend from the newly formed loop portion 205 by way of theaperture 110-2. Although FIG. 2 illustrates that the shoulder strap204-1 includes a snap mechanism to help fasten the icepacks to thecooling garment 200, in other aspects, the shoulder strap 204-1 caninclude other fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons,releasable adhesives, and the like. In some aspects, the shoulder strap204-1 can be adjustably secured to the icepack 108-2 such that thewearer can loosen or tighten the shoulder strap 204-1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a cooling garment system 300 beingworn by a wearer 302, in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure. In some aspects, the cooling garment system 300 represents aside view of the same cooling garment system 100 of FIG. 1 and/orcooling garment 200 of FIG. 2 and vice versa. In other aspects, however,the cooling garment system 100 may only have icepacks and pockets on thefront portion of the cooling vest, such that there are no icepacks on aback portion, for example. The cooling garment system 300 includes apocket 306-1 on a front portion of the garment 301 and a pocket 306-2 ona back portion of the garment 301, each of which are respectivelyconfigured to receive icepacks 308-1 and 308-2. In some aspects, thereis a second pocket on the front portion and/or on the back portion (notvisible because of the view).

FIG. 3 illustrates that shoulder strap 304-1 can help secure and holdboth of the icepacks 308-1 and 308-2. A mid-section of the shoulderstrap 304-1 is disposed or oriented transversely over a shoulder regionof the garment 301 or wearer 302. The shoulder strap 304-1 includes asecond end 304-2 that is configured to be placed through an aperture310-2 on the icepack 308-2 so as to be secured or fastened to theicepack 308-2 (e.g., in the manner described in FIG. 2). The shoulderstrap 304-1 further includes a first end 304-3 that is configured to beplaced through an aperture 310-1 on the icepack 308-1 so as to besecured or fastened to the icepack 308-1 (e.g., in the manner describedin FIG. 2). Accordingly, the shoulder strap 304-1 in aspects is acontinuous article that can help secure front and rear icepacks to thegarment 301 so as to prevent the icepacks 308-1 and 308-2 from shiftingor bouncing during wearer activities and help cool the chest and back ofa wearer. Further, the shoulder strap 304-1 can help keep the icepacks308 (representing both of the icepacks 308-2 and 308-2) in an uprightposition such that the icepacks 308 maintain their expanded shape (e.g.,they do not fold, bend, twist, compress, deform, and the like) andmaintain contact with more surface area of the wearer 302, as opposed toa strapless system, which may allow the icepacks 308 to fold or compressdue to gravitational and other movement forces.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear or posterior view of a cooling garment system400 being worn by a wearer 402, in accordance with aspects herein. Insome aspects, the cooling garment system 400 represents the rear view ofthe cooling garment system 100 of FIG. 1 (which shows the front view)and vice versa. Accordingly, for example the shoulder strap 404-1 can bethe same shoulder strap 104-2 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Likewise, theshoulder strap 404-2 can be the same shoulder strap 104-1 of FIG. 1. Insome aspects, the cooling garment system 400 represents the rear side ofthe cooling garment system 300 of FIG. 3 (which shows a side view)and/or the cooling garment 200 of FIG. 2 and vice versa.

The cooling garment system 400 includes pockets 406-1 and 406-3, each ofwhich are configured to respectively receive icepacks 408-1 and 408-3.The shoulder straps 404-1 and 404-2 each include ends that areconfigured to be placed through respective apertures in the icepacks408-1 and 408-3 in order to fasten or be secured to the icepacks 408-1and 408-3. As described above, in some aspects cooling garment systemssuch as the cooling garment system 400 can include icepacks on a frontside and a backside of the cooling garment system 400 or wearer 402 andthe shoulder straps 404 may therefore be continuous articles that fastento both front and backside icepacks. Accordingly, for example, a coolingvest 401 of the cooling garment system 400 can comprise the firstshoulder strap (e.g., 404-2) (that includes first and second ends) andthe second shoulder strap (e.g., 404-1) (that includes third and fourthends). The first end of the first shoulder strap 404-2 may be configuredto fasten to a first icepack (e.g., 108-1) on a front portion of thecooling vest 401. The second end of the first shoulder strap 404-2 canbe additionally configured to fasten to a second icepack (e.g., 408-3)on a back portion of the cooling vest 401 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG.2). The third end of the second shoulder strap 404-1 may be configuredto fasten to a third icepack (e.g., 108-2) on the front portion of thecooling vest 401. The fourth end of the second shoulder strap 404-1 canbe configured to fasten to a fourth icepack (e.g., 408-1) on the backportion of the cooling vest 401.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front perspective view anicepack 500, in accordance with aspects herein. In some aspects, theicepack 500 represents any of the icepacks described with respect to thecooling garments systems of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and/or FIG. 4. Theicepack 500 includes a top or upper portion 508, which includes a firstaperture 510. The first aperture 510 is an open space, slit, or athrough-hole that may be cylindrical in shape in order to receive ashoulder strap (e.g., the shoulder strap 104-1), such that the shoulderstrap can fasten to the icepack 500, as described in FIG. 2, forexample. In some aspects, the upper portion 508 is not configured to befilled with a liquid or substance, but is a panel that is configured toprotrude or be exposed outside of a pocket inlet (e.g., the inletopening 106-3) so that a wearer can easily place or remove the icepack500 and/or easily fasten a shoulder strap to the icepack 500 via thefirst aperture 510. In some aspects, the upper portion 508 is orincludes any suitable material, such as foam or any other polymer-basedmaterial. In some aspects, the upper portion 508 is made from adifferent material than a body 512 of the icepack 500.

The body 512 includes example flexion areas 516-1, 516-2, 516-3, and516-4 (collectively referred to herein as the flexion areas 516) thatsurround or extend away from a second aperture 514. Although the icepack500 illustrates a particular shape, orientation, quantity, and length offlexion areas, apertures, and icepacks themselves, it is understood thatthis is illustrative only and that any suitable shape, quantity,orientation, and length can exist. For example, in some aspects, thesecond aperture 514 represents a circular, rectangular, or square shape,as opposed to triangular as represented in FIG. 5. In another example,some or each of the flexion areas 516 are circular in shape, as opposedto cylindrical as represented in FIG. 5.

Each of the flexion areas 516 is an area at which a first respectivefront portion of the icepack 500 and a first respective back portion ofthe icepack 500 converge, bond, or affix to each other, as described inmore detail below. Accordingly, the flexion areas 516-1, 516-2, 516-3,and 516-4 each have portions of the front and back of the icepack 500that are bonded or affixed to each other. Because the front and back ofthe icepack 500 are affixed to each other at the flexion areas 516,these flexion areas 516 are unable to be filled with a filler substance,such as water. In one aspect, the flexion area 516-1 is cylindrical inshape and extends longitudinally from just inferior to an edge 512-4(defined by a border between the upper portion 508 and the body 512) tojust above the second aperture 514. The flexion areas 516-2 and 516-3(also cylindrical shaped) extend obliquely or diagonally across the body512 from a first side edge 512-1 of the body 512 to an area laterallyadjacent to the second aperture 514. As illustrated, in an exampleaspect, these flexion areas 516-1 and 516-2 are oriented parallel orsubstantially parallel to respective edges or sides that form the secondaperture 514. The flexion area 516-4 extends parallel with and issubstantially aligned with the flexion area 516-1. The flexion area516-4 extends longitudinally across a length of the body 512 from justinferior to the second aperture 514 to just above (or superior to) abottom edge 512-2 of the body 512.

The second aperture 514 (or any apertures described with reference to anicepack body) is a hole or opening in an icepack body (e.g., the body512) that extends from and through a front or face portion of theicepack 500 through a back or rear portion of the icepack 500.Accordingly, in these aspects, portions of the body 512 can form theborders of the entire space around the second aperture 514 such thatthere is open space that forms the second aperture 514. For example, aperson can see through these apertures and some objects can pass throughthe apertures (e.g., a finger) in some aspects. FIG. 5 illustrates atriangular-shaped second aperture 514, with an apex 514-1. In someaspects, the apex 514-1 (defined as the vertex where two sides of equallength meet, opposite an unequal third side or base) of thetriangular-shaped second aperture 514 is oriented toward a midline ormedial portion of a cooling garment or wearer as illustrated in FIG. 1.In various aspects, the apertures (e.g., the second aperture 514) withinthe bodies of the icepacks are disposed adjacently or next to flexionareas, such as the flexion areas 516. The second aperture 514 isdisposed near the center of the body 512 and in between the flexionareas 516-1 and 516-2. The second aperture 514 is further disposedadjacent to and medial of the flexion areas 516-2 and 516-3 when theicepack 500 is in an as-utilized configuration or worn as illustratedwith respect to the icepack 108-1 of FIG. 1.

Each of the flexion areas 516 and the second aperture 514 allow moreflexibility for cooling garments and wearers as well as allow theicepack 500 to more easily conform to a wearer, as described herein. Forexample, the flexion areas 516-1 and 516-4 extend across a portion ofthe longitudinal length of the body 512. Accordingly, if a wearerperforms a horizontal adduction or horizontal abduction movement of thearm (e.g., to swing a bat), this may cause the body 512 to move orrotate in the direction of the movement, which may be substantiallyperpendicular to the length of the flexion areas 516. Accordingly, theflexion areas 516 may act as an effective axis point or line such thatthe body 512 can more freely move, thereby allowing more unabated rangeof motion by the wearer and greater contact of the icepack with thewearer, which can reduce discomfort or strain during movement. Likewise,the flexion areas 516 may act as effective joints, such that the body512 of the icepack 500 can more easily conform to varied contours of awearer's body, such as a chest region. In another example, if a wearerperforms a flexion and extension movement of his or her trunk (e.g., asit up motion), the second aperture 514 and the flexion areas 516-2 and516-3 may act as effective axis areas so that a wearer can more easilyflex and extend her trunk while at the same time allow for optimalcontact between the body 512 of the icepack 500 and the wearer.Accordingly, in these movements, the second aperture 514 can bend orfold at the apex 514-1, and the body 512 can bend or fold at the flexionareas 516-2 and 516-3 during flexion and extension.

In various aspects, the body 512 is made from any suitable material. Forexample, the body 512 can be made from a thermoplastic-polyurethanematerial and/or other polymers such as low-density polyethylene,high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. The size of theicepack 500 can also include any suitable length, width, and thickness.For example, in some aspects, the width of the body 512 (defined by thedistance along the edge 512-2 or the distance between the edge 512-1 andedge 512-3) is about 10 cm (e.g., plus or minus 5% of 10 cm). In someaspects, the length of the icepack 500 (defined by the distance alongthe edge 512-1 or the distance between edge 512-4 and 512-2 is fromabout 30 cm to about ˜36 cm with the upper portion 508 (e.g., plus orminus 5% of 30 cm and 36 cm respectively)). In some aspects, thethickness of the body 512 is from about 2 cm to about 4 cm (e.g., plusor minus 5% of these values) without a fluid (e.g., water) or otherfiller substance.

In some aspects, the icepack 500 is formed from two separate layers thatare adhered together at certain areas such as around the periphery(e.g., edges 512-1, 512-2, and 512-3), at the flexion areas 516 and/oraround the perimeter edge of the second aperture 514.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the flexion areas 516 do not extend to any ofthe edges of the body 512. Accordingly, fluid or other filler substancescan surround each portion of some or each of the flexion areas 516, asdescribed in more detail below. For example, a first edge 512-1 of thebody 512 may extend across a longitudinal length of the body 512. Asecond edge 512-2 may extend along a horizontal width from the edge512-1 to a portion (e.g., a corner) of the edge 512-3. The third edge512-3 may be parallel with and extend the same distance as the edge512-1. The fourth edge 512-4 may extend across a horizontal width andrepresent a line of demarcation between the upper portion 508 and thebody 512 and further represent the top of the body 512. The edge 512-4may be parallel with the edge 512-2. In an illustrative example, theflexion area 516-1 may extend longitudinally from just inferior the edge512-4 to just above an edge of the second aperture 514. Accordingly, theflexion area 516-1 does not extend to the edge 512-4 and to the edge ofthe second aperture 514. Therefore, for example, the portions 512-5 and512-6 can be filled with water or another substance because the flexionarea 516-1 does not extend all the way to the edges. Therefore, theflexion area 516-1 can be surrounded entirely by a filler substance. Inlike manner, some or each of the other flexion areas may also not extendto nearby edges such that a filler substance can entirely surround eachside of the flexion areas, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In other aspects,however, flexion areas can abut or extend to one or more edges of thebody 512 of the icepack 500. Any and all aspects, and any variationthereof are contemplated as being within aspects herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the icepack 500 of FIG.5, which is filled with a filler substance (e.g., gel, water, ice,etc.), in accordance with aspects herein. FIG. 6 illustrates what theicepack 500 can appear like when it is filled with a filler substance,such as water. Accordingly, the body 512 appears as bulging or expandedat each of the areas surrounding the flexion areas 516-1, 5-16-2, 516-3,516-4 and the second aperture 514. The flexion areas 516 thus do notbulge or expand upon filling the icepack 500 with a filler substancebecause the flexion areas 516 are areas where the front and back layersof the icepack 500 are affixed, as described above. The second aperture514 also does not bulge or expand upon filling the icepack 500 becausethe body 512 does not continue into this area. As such, water or otherfiller substances does not fill this space. FIG. 6 also illustrates thatthe flexion areas 516 and the second aperture 514 can be completely orentirely surrounded by a fluid or other filler substance, such that eacharea surrounding the second aperture 514 and flexion areas 516 isconfigured to bulge out or expand in response to filling the icepack 500with a filler substance.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front perspective view of asecond example icepack 700, in accordance with aspects herein. In someaspects, the icepack 700 represents any of the icepacks described withrespect to the cooling garments systems of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3,and/or FIG. 4. The icepack 700 includes a top or upper portion 708,which includes a first aperture 710. The first aperture 710 is an openspace, slit, or hole that is cylindrical in shape in order to receive ashoulder strap (e.g., the shoulder strap 104-1), such that the shoulderstrap can fasten to the icepack 700, as described in FIG. 2 for example.In some aspects the upper portion 708 is not configured to be filledwith a liquid or substance, but is a panel that is configured toprotrude or be exposed outside of a pocket inlet (e.g., the pocket106-1) so that a wearer can easily place or remove the icepack 700and/or easily fasten a shoulder strap to the icepack 700 via the firstaperture 710. In some aspects, the upper portion 708 is or includes anysuitable material, such as foam or any other polymer-based material. Insome aspects, the upper portion 708 is made from a different materialthan the body 712 of the icepack 700.

The body 712 includes flexion areas 716-1, 716-2 (collectively referredto herein as the flexion areas 716) that surround a second aperture 714.Although the icepack 700 illustrates a particular shape, orientation,quantity, and length of flexion areas, apertures, and icepacksthemselves, it is understood that this is illustrative only and that anysuitable shape, quantity, orientation, and length can exist. Forexample, in some aspects, the second aperture 714 represents a circular,triangular, rectangular, or square shape, as opposed to diamond-shapedas represented in FIG. 7. In another example, some or each of theflexion areas 716 are circular in shape, as opposed to cylindrical asrepresented in FIG. 7.

Each of the flexion areas 716 is an area at which a first respectivefront portion of the icepack 700 and a first respective back portion ofthe icepack 700 are affixed and/or bonded to each other, as described inmore detail below. Accordingly, the flexion areas 716-1 and 716-2 areunable to be filled with a filler substance, such as water. The flexionarea 716-1 is cylindrical in shape and extends longitudinally from justinferior to a top edge 712-1 (the horizontal border between the upperportion 708 and a body 712 of the icepack 700) to just above or superiorto the second aperture 714. The flexion area 716-2 extends parallel withand is substantially aligned with the flexion area 716-1. The flexionarea 716-2 extends longitudinally across a length of the body 712 fromjust inferior to the second aperture 714 to just above or superior to abottom edge 712-2 of the body 512.

The second aperture 714 (or any apertures described with reference to anicepack body) is a hole or opening in an icepack body (e.g., the body712) that extends from a front or face portion of the icepack through aback or rear portion of the icepack. Accordingly, in these aspects,portions of the body 712 can form the borders of the entire secondaperture 714 such that there is open space that forms the aperture. Forexample, a person can see through these apertures and some objects canpass through the apertures (e.g., a finger) in some aspects. FIG. 7illustrates a diamond-shaped second aperture 714, with vertices orpoints 714-1 and 714-2 that define the aperture 714. In various aspectsthe apertures (e.g., second aperture 714) within the bodies of theicepacks are disposed adjacently or next to flexion areas, such as theflexion areas 716. The second aperture 714, in an example aspect, isdisposed near the center of the body 512 and in between the flexionareas 716-1 and 716-2. The vertex 714-1 and/or 714-2 may be orientedtowards a midline of a cooling garment or wearer of the cooling garment.

Each of the flexion areas 716 and the second aperture 714 allow moreflexibility for cooling garments and wearers, as well as allow theicepack 700 to more easily conform to a wearer. For example, the flexionareas 716-1 and 716-2 extend across a portion of the longitudinal lengthof the body 512. Accordingly, if a wearer performs a horizontaladduction or horizontal abduction movement of the arm (e.g., a throwingmotion), this may cause the body 712 to move or rotate in the directionof the movement, which may be substantially perpendicular to the flexionareas 716. Accordingly, the flexion areas 716 may act as an effectiveaxis point or area such that the body 712 of the icepack 700 can morefreely move, thereby allowing more unabated range of motion by thewearer and greater contact of the icepack with the wearer, which canreduce discomfort or strain during movement. Likewise, the flexion areas716 may act as effective joints, such that the body 712 of the icepack700 can more easily conform to varied contours of a wearer's body, suchas a chest region. In another example, if a wearer performs a flexionand extension movement of his or her trunk (e.g., a sit up motion), thesecond aperture 714 may act as an effective axis point at the vertices714-1 and 714-2 so that a wearer can more easily flex and extend hertrunk while at the same time allow for optimal contact between the body712 of the icepack 700 and the wearer. Accordingly, in these movements,the second aperture 714 can bend or fold at the vertices 714-1 and714-2, and the body 712 of the icepack 700 can thus bend or fold atthese areas during flexion and extension movements.

In various aspects, the body 712 is made from any suitable material. Forexample, the body 712 can be made from a thermoplastic-polyurethanematerial and/or other polymers such as low-density polyethylene,high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. The size of the icepack700 can also include any suitable length, width, and thickness. Forexample, in some aspects, the width of the body 712 (defined by adistance along the edge 712-2) is about 10 cm (e.g., plus or minus 5% of10 cm). In some aspects, the length of the icepack 700 (defined by atleast a distance along the edges 712-1 and 712-3) is from about 30 cm toabout 36 cm with the upper portion 508 (e.g., plus or minus 5% of 30 cmand 36 cm respectively). In some aspects, the thickness of the body 712is from about 0.5 cm to about 4 cm (e.g., plus or minus 5% of thesevalues) without a fluid (e.g., water) or other filler substance.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the flexion areas 716 do not extend to any ofthe edges of the icepack 700. Accordingly, fluid or other substances cansurround each portion of each of the flexion areas. For example, thefirst edge 712-1 of the body 512 may extend across a longitudinal lengthof the body 712. The second edge 712-2 may extend along a horizontalwidth from the edge 712-1 to a portion (e.g., a corner) of the edge712-3. The third edge 712-3 may be parallel with and extend the samedistance as the edge 712-1. The fourth edge 712-4 may extend across ahorizontal width and represent a line of demarcation between the upperportion 708 and the body 712. The fourth edge 712-4 further representsthe top of the body 712. The edge 712-4 may be parallel with the edge712-2. In an illustrative example, the flexion area 716-1 may extendlongitudinally from just inferior the edge 712-4 to just above orsuperior to an edge of the second aperture 714. Accordingly, the flexionarea 716-1 does not extend to the edge 712-4 and to the edge of thesecond aperture 714. Therefore, for example, the portions 712-5 and712-6 can be filled with water or another filler substance because theflexion area 716-1 does not extend all the way to the edges. In likemanner, the other flexion area 716-2 may also not extend to nearby edgessuch that a filler substance can entirely surround each side of theflexion areas, as illustrated in FIG. 8. In other aspects, however,flexion areas can abut or extend to one or more edges.

In some aspects, the icepack 700 is formed from two separate layers thatare adhered together at certain areas such as around the periphery(e.g., edges 712-1, 712-2, and 712-3), at the flexion areas 716 and/oraround the perimeter edge of the second aperture 714.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of the icepack 700 of FIG.7, which is filled with a filler substance (e.g., gel, water, ice,etc.), in accordance with aspects herein. FIG. 8 illustrates what theicepack 700 can appear like when it is filled with a filler substance,such as water. Accordingly, the body 712 of the icepack 700 appears asbulging or expanded at the areas outside of the flexion areas 716-1,716-2 and the second aperture 714. The flexion areas 716 thus do notbulge or expand upon filling the icepack 700 with a filler substancebecause the flexion areas 716 are areas where the front and back layersof the icepack 700 are affixed, as described above. The second aperture714 also does not bulge or expand upon filling the icepack 700 becausethe body 712 does not continue into this area. As such, water or otherfiller substances does not fill this space. FIG. 8 also illustrates thatthe flexion areas 716 and the second aperture 714 can be completely orentirely surrounded by a fluid or other filler substance, such that eacharea surrounding the second aperture 714 and flexion areas 716 isconfigured to bulge out or expand in response to filling the icepack 700with a filler substance.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side top view of an opened icepack 900, inaccordance with aspects herein. In some aspects, the icepack 900represents a side top view of the icepack 500 icepack 700 of FIGS. 5-8,and/or any icepack described herein, such as with respect to the icepack108-1. FIG. 9 illustrates how an icepack may appear when a person opensthe icepack 900 up to fill it with a filler substance or remove thefiller substance, according to certain aspects. At a first time, theicepack 900 may be closed, such that the body 912 remains sealed orotherwise secured. In some aspects, the securing or sealing of the body912 occurs by a zipper seal 922, which is disposed just superior to anupper portion of the body 912 and inferior to the bottom of upperportions 908-1 and 908-2. The zipper seal 922 includes an interlockinggroove and ridge that form a seal when pressed together. Although thezipper seal 922 is described, it is understood that any suitablefastening mechanism or seal can be used to close the body 912, such aspermanently bonding the body 912 together. With respect to this aspect,the icepack 900 would be filled with a filler substance prior tosealing.

At the first time (before opening the body 912 or the upper portions908), the upper portions 908 may appear as one single piece, asillustrated by the upper portion 708 of FIG. 7, for example. However, ata second time (which is subsequent to the first time), a user, such aswearer may open up the icepack 900 by exerting an opposing tension forceon the upper portion 908-1 and the upper portion 908-2 causing the twoportions to separate from one another. When this separation occurs, thefirst aperture (such as first aperture 710, as represented in FIG. 7),in certain aspects may appear divided or become two apertures becausethere are two sides of the icepack (front and back side), as representedby the apertures 910-1 and 910-2 of FIG. 9. The user may then unlock orunzip the zipper seal 922 in order to fill the body 912 with a fillersubstance by inserting the filler substance into the cavity 920 orbladder opening, which is the inside of the body 912. The user may then,at a third subsequent time, place the groove and ridge portions of thezipper seal 922 together to once again form a seal in order to keep thefiller substance within the body 912.

FIG. 9 also illustrates how a flexion area, as described herein, can beformed according to certain aspects. The flexion area 916 illustrates anarea at which a first front side 936 and a second back side 934 of thebody 912 converge or are affixed to each other to form the flexion area916. Accordingly, when a user fills the cavity 920 with a fillersubstance, the filler substance will surround the flexion area 916. Invarious aspects, the front side 936 and the back side 934 are bondedtogether in any suitable fashion, such as a permanent adhesive, epoxyadhesives, etc.

The following clauses represent exemplary aspects of conceptscontemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be combined ina multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more other clauses.Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitlydepend from a previous clause) may be combined while staying within thescope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses areexemplary in nature and are not limiting.

Clause 1. A cooling garment comprising:

a vest configured to be worn by a wearer;

at least one shoulder strap disposed over a shoulder region of the vest;and

one or more pockets on the vest configured to receive one or moreicepacks, the one or more pockets including a stretch material on afront portion of the one or more pockets and the one or more pocketsfurther including a non-stretch material on a back portion of the one ormore pockets.

Clause 2. The cooling garment of clause 1, wherein the at least oneshoulder strap includes a first end that is configured to be placedthrough at least one aperture of the one or more icepacks.

Clause 3. The cooling garment of clause 1 or 2 wherein the one or morepockets include a first pocket and a second pocket on the front portionof the vest, wherein the first pocket and the second pocket areconfigured to receive a first icepack and a second icepack of the one ormore icepacks respectively.

Clause 4. The cooling garment of clause 3 or 2, wherein the one or morepockets include a third pocket and a fourth pocket on the back portionof the vest, wherein the third pocket and the fourth pocket areconfigured to receive a third icepack and a fourth icepack of the one ormore icepacks respectively.

Clause 5. The cooling garment of clause 4, 3, 2, or 1 further comprisinga first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap, the first shoulderstrap including a first end and a second end, the second shoulder strapincluding a third end and a fourth end, wherein the first end of thefirst shoulder strap is configured to fasten to the first icepack, thesecond end of the first shoulder strap is configured to fasten to thethird icepack, and wherein the third end of the second shoulder strap isconfigured to fasten to the second icepack, the fourth end is configuredto fasten to the fourth icepack.

Clause 6. The cooling garment of clause 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein thestretch material includes a stretch-woven material.

Clause 7. A system comprising:

one or more icepacks that each include at least a first aperture;

a garment that includes one or more pockets configured to receive theone or more icepacks;

at least one shoulder strap disposed over a shoulder region of thegarment, the at least one shoulder strap comprising at least a firstend, the first end being configured to pass through the first apertureof the one or more icepacks to secure the at least one shoulder strap tothe one or more icepacks.

Clause 8. The system of clause 7, wherein at least one of the one ormore icepacks include at least one flexion area, the at least oneflexion area corresponding to one or more areas at which a first frontportion of the at least one of the one or more icepacks and a first backportion of the at least one of the one or more icepacks are affixed toeach other, wherein the at least one flexion area is not configured tobe filled with a filler substance.

Clause 9. The system of clause 7 or 8, wherein at least one of the oneor more icepacks includes a second aperture extending from a frontportion of the at least one of the one or more icepacks through a backportion of the at least one of the one or more icepacks.

Clause 10. The system of clause 7, 8, or 9, wherein the one or morepockets including a stretch material on a front portion of the one ormore pockets and the one or more pockets further including a non-stretchmaterial on a back portion of the one or more pockets.

Clause 11. The system of clause 7, 8, 9, or 10 wherein at least one ofthe one or more icepacks includes a second aperture that is triangularshaped, wherein an apex of the second aperture is oriented towards amidline of the garment.

Clause 12. The system of clause 7, 8, 9, or 10 wherein at least one ofthe one or more icepacks includes a second aperture that is diamondshaped, wherein a vertex of the second aperture is oriented towards amidline of the garment.

Clause 13. The system of clause 7, 8, 9, or 10 wherein at least one ofthe one or more icepacks includes a plurality of flexion areas thatsurround a second aperture, wherein the second aperture extends from afront portion of the at least one of the one or more icepacks through aback portion of the at least one of the one or more icepacks, andwherein the second aperture is positioned inferior to the first apertureof the at least one of the one or more icepacks.

Clause 14. The system of clause 7, 8, 9, or 10 wherein the at least oneshoulder strap includes a first shoulder strap and a second shoulderstrap, and wherein the first shoulder strap is fastened to a firsticepack and a second icepack of the one or more icepacks, and whereinthe second shoulder strap is fastened to a third icepack and a fourthicepack of the one or more icepacks.

Clause 15. An icepack configured for use with a cooling garment, theicepack comprising:

at least one flexion area, the at least one flexion area correspondingto one or more areas at which a first front portion of the icepack and afirst back portion of the icepack are affixed to each other, wherein theone or more areas are not configured to be filled with a fillersubstance; and

one or more apertures disposed adjacently to the at least one flexionarea, the one or more apertures extending from a second front portion ofthe icepack through a second back portion of the icepack.

Clause 16. The icepack of clause 15, further comprising an additionalaperture on an upper portion of the icepack that receives a first end ofat least one shoulder strap to help secure the icepack.

Clause 17. The icepack of clause 15 or 16, wherein the one or moreapertures include a triangular shaped aperture that includes an apex,the apex oriented towards a side edge of the icepack.

Clause 18. The icepack of clause 17 or 16, wherein the at least oneflexion area includes a first flexion area oriented parallel to a firstside of the triangular shaped aperture, the at least one flexion areafurther includes a second flexion area oriented parallel to a secondside of the triangular shaped aperture.

Clause 19. The icepack of clause 15, 16, 17, or 18, wherein the icepackincludes: a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge,and wherein the at least one flexion area includes a first flexion areathat does not extend to: the first edge, the second edge, the thirdedge, and the fourth edge, and wherein the first flexion area isconfigured to be entirely surrounded by the filler substance.

Clause 20. The icepack of clause 15, 16, 17, or 18 wherein the one ormore apertures include a diamond shaped aperture and the at least oneflexion area includes a first flexion area disposed along a longitudinallength of the icepack and superior to a vertex of the diamond shapedaperture.

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent tobe illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope.A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing theaforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Notall steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in thespecific order described.

What is claimed is:
 1. An upper-body garment comprising: at least afirst shoulder strap disposed over a first shoulder region of theupper-body garment; and one or more pockets on the upper-body garmentconfigured to receive one or more icepacks, the one or more pocketsincluding a stretch material on a front portion of the one or morepockets, and the one or more pockets further including a non-stretchmaterial on a back portion of the one or more pockets.
 2. The upper-bodygarment of claim 1, wherein the first shoulder strap includes a firstend having a male end of a connecting element and a female end of theconnecting element, the male end and the female end being configured tocouple to form a loop.
 3. The upper-body garment of claim 1, wherein theone or more pockets include a first pocket and a second pocket on thefront portion of the upper-body garment.
 4. The upper-body garment ofclaim 1, wherein the front portion of the one or more pockets includes alower margin, which comprises a non-stretch material.
 5. The upper-bodygarment of claim 1, further comprising a second shoulder strap disposedover a second shoulder region of the upper-body garment.
 6. Theupper-body garment of claim 1, wherein the stretch material includes astretch-woven material.
 7. A system comprising: an upper-body garmentthat includes a pocket; the pocket comprising a stretch material on afront portion of the pocket and a non-stretch material on a back portionof the pocket; a shoulder strap disposed over a shoulder region of theupper-body garment; and an icepack configured to be removably positionedin the pocket.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the non-stretchmaterial on the back portion of the pocket comprises one or morenon-elastomeric yarns.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the stretchmaterial on the front portion of the pocket comprises a stretch-wovenmaterial.
 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the upper-body garmentincludes an inner layer that forms the back portion of the pocket. 11.The system of claim 7, wherein the front portion of the one or morepockets includes a lower margin, which comprises a non-stretch material.12. The system of claim 7, wherein a first end of the shoulder strapcomprises a male end of a connecting element and a female end of theconnecting element, the male end and the female end being configured tocouple to form a loop.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the loop isconfigured to extend through an aperture located on the icepack, suchthat the icepack extends from the loop by the aperture.
 14. The systemof claim 7 further comprising a second shoulder strap, wherein theshoulder strap is fastened to the icepack and the second shoulder strapis fastened to a second icepack.
 15. An upper-body cooling garmentcomprising: a pocket comprising a stretch material on an outer portionof the pocket and a non-stretch material on an inner portion of thepocket, wherein the pocket is configured to receive an icepack having anaperture; and a shoulder strap configured to secure to the icepack viathe aperture.
 16. The upper-body cooling garment of claim 15, whereinthe stretch material is formed using one or more elastomeric yarns. 17.The upper-body cooling garment of claim 15, wherein: the pocket is on afront portion of the upper-body cooling garment; and the upper-bodycooling garment further comprises an additional pocket on a back portionof the upper-body cooling garment.
 18. The upper-body cooling garment ofclaim 15, wherein the outer portion of the pocket includes a lowermargin, which comprises a non-stretch material.
 19. The upper-bodycooling garment of claim 15, further comprising a slider mechanismforming an edge of the pocket.
 20. The upper-body cooling garment ofclaim 15 further comprising, a second pocket configured to receive asecond icepack having an aperture; and a second shoulder strapconfigured to secure to the icepack via the aperture.